Adidas Videos: The Superstar among the Superstars

Adidas is more than just a sportswear manufacturer — the brand with the three stripes has evolved into a cultural institution, whose video campaigns have shaped entire generations. Whoever understands the world of Adidas advertising understands how fashion, music and sport merge into a global lifestyle. No other label has so consistently managed to unite streetwear, high fashion and pop culture in moving images — and repeatedly placed the faces of the times at the centre.

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Adidas Videos: When Culture Meets Commerce

The Most Important Adidas Collaborations at a Glance

Adidas Streetwear and the Fashion World — Where the Runway Meets the Street

Becoming a model for Adidas — What really matters

Frequently asked questions

Adidas Videos: When Culture Meets Commerce

Adidas video campaigns are no ordinary marketing — they are statements. With collaborations that go far beyond classic endorsement deals, Adidas has developed a visual language that works equally well on music videos, short films and social media clips. Particularly the Adidas Superstar — originally a basketball shoe — became an icon of the streetwear scene through carefully staged videos.

What many don’t know: The casting processes behind these productions resemble professional modelling jobs. Anyone who is considered for a face of an Adidas campaign should understand how to become a model and what steps are necessary to become a model. The brand relies on authentic faces rather than classic high-fashion aesthetics — a concept that makes their campaigns so accessible.

The Superstar — A Shoe Writes Video History

The Adidas Superstar became immortal through hip-hop music videos. Run-D.M.C. wore them without laces and turned them into a hymn for an entire subculture. Since then, every new release of the shoe has been accompanied by a visual campaign that deliberately includes cultural icons. Adidas understands better than almost any other company that a good video sells more than any advertisement.

“Adidas has never made advertisements — Adidas has created cultural products that happen to sell something too.”

This philosophy runs through all of the brand’s collaborations and explains why working with Beyoncé, Kanye West or Yohji Yamamoto doesn’t feel like classic brand advertising, but rather like independent art projects.

The Most Important Adidas Collaborations at a Glance

Adidas has worked with a wide range of creatives over time. Each collaboration brought its own video aesthetic — from minimalist fashion clips to elaborate music video productions. Models who want to take part in such shoots should be aware of model measurements and requirements, as Adidas productions vary significantly in their requirements depending on the collection.

Collaboration	Collection	Special Feature	Video Style
Beyoncé	Ivy Park x Adidas	Body-positivity approach	Cinematic, empowering
Kanye West	Yeezy	Avant-garde aesthetic	Minimalist, desert-like
Yohji Yamamoto	Y-3	High-fashion sportswear	Runway-inspired, artsy
Kylie Jenner	Adidas x Kylie	Social media-first strategy	Short, viral, colourful
Stella McCartney	Adidas by Stella	Sustainability focus	Nature, movement, lightness

Beyoncé and Ivy Park — Empowerment as a Brand Promise

The collaboration with Beyoncé is one of the most ambitious brand movements in Adidas’ history. The Ivy Park campaign videos show more than just products — they tell a story of strength, diversity and self-determination. The casting behind these productions deliberately focuses on body diversity. Those wondering whether it’s possible to become a curvy model will find an impressive example in this campaign that shows the industry is changing its mind.

Yeezy — When Fashion Becomes a Religion

The Yeezy line with Kanye West is regarded as one of the most successful, but also controversial chapters in Adidas’ history. The campaign videos focused on sparse landscapes, neutral colour tones and an almost spiritual visual language. Models in these videos did not need classic runway proportions — instead, authenticity was at the forefront. Those who see the minimum height requirement of a modelling agency as an obstacle, this production shows that alternative routes exist.

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Adidas Streetwear and the Fashion World — Where the Runway Meets the Street

Adidas has managed more than any other brand to break down the boundaries between haute couture and everyday fashion. The collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto under the label Y-3 is a prime example: high-fashion silhouettes meet functionality. The campaign videos could just as easily be shown at a New York Fashion Week as in an underground gallery in Berlin.

This hybridisation also influences how aspiring models should plan their careers. Those who rely on Catwalk and Runway Tips should consider that streetwear brands demand different movement languages than classic fashion shows. Adidas videos make this clear: here it’s about posture, energy and charisma — not about perfect runway technique.

German Fashion Designers in the Adidas Universe

Germany is not only the home of Adidas — it is also one of the most creative fashion scenes in Europe. High-end fashion brands with A and established designers have repeatedly set the pace, which is reflected in the aesthetics of Adidas campaigns. The Fashion Week Berlin is an important meeting point for designers and brands that embody this streetwear-meets-fashion approach. Adidas deliberately uses such platforms to forge new creative partnerships and discover fresh faces.

Anyone wanting to enter this environment as an up-and-coming model should first find out about a model agency in Berlin — because the capital city is a central hub for exactly this kind of brand collaboration.

Becoming a model for Adidas — What really matters

Many dream of appearing in an Adidas video. But what does it really take to be cast for such productions? The answer often surprises: Adidas places less emphasis on classic measurements and more on personality, credibility, and cultural relevance. Nevertheless, it makes sense to know the basic requirements for becoming a model in order to appear professional.

Authenticity over perfect looks
Sporty presence is an advantage
Social media presence is assessed
Diversity is actively sought after
Mobility in front of the camera
Style awareness in the streetwear area

For an introduction to the world of model bookings, the Casting at CM Models is recommended, offering a structured approach to the professional modelling world. Those who want to prepare for such castings can find valuable tips on how to prepare for a casting. Equally important is a professional model portfolio for the casting, which often looks different in the streetwear and sportswear industry compared to the high fashion sector.

Part-time modelling for sportswear brands

Not everyone who works with Adidas or similar brands is a full-time model. Particularly in the sportswear and streetwear sectors, part-time modelling is often practised — as athletes, influencers or brand ambassadors. Anyone asking what a model earns should know that these part-time collaborations can range from a single shoot fee to long-term brand ambassador contracts.

It is important to rely on reputable modelling agencies and to find out whether a modelling agency charges fees — as reputable agencies work on a commission basis and do not ask for upfront payments. Those aiming for an international career should also find out about models abroad. Relevant addresses can be found, for example, with a modelling agency in Hamburg or with becoming a model in Frankfurt.

Checklist: How to prepare for a sportswear casting

☐ Choose sporty, clean clothing
☐ Get familiar with Adidas products in advance
☐ Have a professional comp card created
☐ Update your social media profiles
☐ Do some exercise before the casting
☐ Research the casting location in advance
☐ Gather references from the sportswear industry
☐ Contact a reputable agency in advance

Frequently asked questions

What requirements do I need to appear in an Adidas video?

Adidas campaigns focus on diversity and authenticity. While classic modelling requirements such as measurements and height may play a role, personality, cultural credibility and a sporty presence are often more decisive. A collaboration with a modelling agency without a minimum height requirement can be the right first step.

Can I also work as a plus-size model for Adidas?

Yes — Adidas has actively promoted body diversity through campaigns like Ivy Park. Anyone looking to establish themselves as a plus-size model will find increasingly open doors in the sportswear industry. Becoming a curvy model is also a realistic way into this sector.

How can I find a reputable agency for sportswear bookings?

The first step is to research top model agencies with experience in the sportswear sector. You should pay attention to ensure that no upfront fees are requested — a fee-free model agency is the serious option. Specific starting points can also be found in the how to contact a model agency guide.

Is an international perspective worth it — for example, for New York or London?

Adidas produces campaigns worldwide. Those wishing to work internationally should find out about becoming a model in New York or becoming a model in London. Both cities are central hubs for global sportswear production — and offer opportunities that go far beyond local castings. The Big 4 Fashion Weeks are also relevant windows for Adidas collaborations at the highest level.

Ready for the next step? Apply now and become part of the modelling world — perhaps soon in front of the camera of one of the most exciting sportswear brands in the world.